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Thursday, 3 October 2013

Faith leaders join together to sow seeds of peace after the pain of recent attacks in Kenya and Pakistan.

The Hindu and Jain Communities of
United Kingdom would like to invite the diverse communities and faith we have in
the U.K. to come together to hold a Sokh Sabha (coming together of families,
friends and the communities at times of a death or tragedy such as this to give
support, condolences and prayers to the departed and the family).

"We
welcome everyone from all communities and faiths to come and share in this
service.

The initial
invite that went out prompted the Kenyan community to request inclusion. We also
had a request from the Pakistani Christian community on the recent killings in
Pakistan for inclusion. We welcome both communities and have a representative
from each to share their experience and to share in our common prayers and
coming together of our diverse faiths and communities."

The terrorist attack on the Westlands supermarket in Nairobi, Kenya
started @ 12.00 GMT on Sat 21st Sept. 2013 and which as of
26th
Sept 2013 has claimed 67 civilians and several members of the security forces
dead. . It is a stark reminder of the Mumbai attacks started on Wed
26th
Nov 2008 and finished on Sat. 28th Nov.2008. Death came to 164 victims and the last count of the wounded is around at least 308.

Some may have heard the report from one of The Economists reporters relate the story of a Christian African Kenyan who managed to save himself by displaying his Id. Card only showing his Muslim sounding surname. Next to him was an Indian who when he could not name the mother of the prophet, was executed on the spot.

For the Hindu, Sikh & Jain communities the expected loss of lives is likely to reach 25/26 dead. As it is for so many other communities and nationals who too have lost loved ones from not only in Kenya but from round the world. This is yet another reminder of people who espouse a particular view of how humanity, society and politics should be. It is a view and an order that does not respect other religions, communities or the personal freedoms of individuals.

The twin suicide bombings has claimed over 150 victims and an additional 100 casualties are being treated in Lady Reading Hospital, in the nearby vicinity. The unprovoked attack caused significant outrage amongst Christians of Pakistan, leading to protests across the country. Calls for better protection of all minorities within Pakistan have been submitted to the Government.

Wilson Chowhry Chairman of the British Pakistani Christian Association has been invited to share his thoughts on the recent attack in Pakistan. He said of the event;

"This coming together of key humanitarians is an opportunity to promote peace at a time when many feel appalled and distraught at the severity of recent attacks, that have resulted in huge losses of life. The BPCA intends to use this meeting as time for reflection and solace - promoting the value of humanity, whilst condemning the acts of violence meted out on innocent minorities."

He added;

"We hope to build long term partnerships that will help to deliver a better future for posterity."

He will be joined by a diverse plethora of keynote speakers.

Time

Item

Speaker

Organisation

19.01

Arrival, meeting & greetings

Opportunity for guests & speakers to introduce
each other

Jain Samaj Europe & British Hindu Voice as
hosts

19.15

Speakers set up

19.31

Welcome

Pradip Mehta
& Bhupen Dave

Jain Samaj Europe & British Hindu Voice

19.35

Opening Prayers

Pradip Mehta – Jain
Prayer & Mahendrabhai Pandya Sanatan Prayer

Jain Samaj Europe & Jalaram Mandir, Leicester

19.41

Reading from Gita

Pravinbhai Ruparalia

Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Leicester

19.48

Local Kenyans Experience

Perez Ochieng

Director - Sahara Communities Abroad (SACOMA),
London

19.53

Asian & Non-African Experience

Parit V. Dodhia

Mitul Shah's brother-in-law, London. Mitul was
one of the earliest casualties.

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